Actros Black Star: magic in matt black

Matt black paint, teak wooden flooring and Dura-Bright rims: the Black Star, a special production model for the Beresa OWL Mercedes dealership in Bielefeld didn't have to wait long before being snapped up by a buyer. After less than two weeks, this gem was sold to a haulage firm. The haulier wanted to make a very special gift to their best driver in line with his career nearing its end.

A unique masterpiece.

"Matt black" is unique in Germany, says Kai-Uwe Schelt. In spring 2016, the head of commercial vehicle sales at Beresa OWL in Bielefeld had the first vehicle of the Black Star special series produced. "We opted for this special paint finish as it makes the vehicle look particularly elegant," explains Schelt. "The original idea was to have parquet flooring fitted in the cab, but due to changes in temperature and the potential presence of condensation in the cab, it would have been too complicated." Instead, the solution was to use teak like in ship building. We sourced it from a wood wholesaler and had it cut to size in three pieces and simply laid it on the cab floor like a carpet. The elegant special production vehicle is rounded off by high-sheen Dura-Bright alloy wheels. Schelt says: "They aren't just really attractive to look at, they're also particularly easy to maintain." And to ensure that the driver has enough power at his feet, it is equipped with a 389 kW (530 hp) engine. Who would complain at that?

Photos: Mario Bok